Not sure what you want to do when you graduate? Interested in leaving your options open? Here's help with course selection for the undecided.
If you're not sure what area of law interests you or if you want to leave your options open, select courses that give you a well-rounded education. Make sure that you have the courses and skills that employers expect as part of a basic legal education. Having a strong, well balanced transcript can enhance your career flexibility and your ability to find a job in a tight market.
Core/Foundation Courses
The following are some of the basic courses of a well-rounded legal education:
First-Year Required Courses
- Contracts I
- Civil Procedure I
- Criminal Procedure Substantive Criminal Law
- Legal Research and Writing I
- Legal Research and Writing II
- Property
- Torts
Second Semester Elective (Civil Procedure II, Contracts II, Constitutional Law I, Legal Process, Public International Law)
Second- and Third-Years: Some Suggested Courses*
- Administrative Law
- An Advanced Legal Writing Course
- Bankruptcy
- Business Organizations I
- Business Organizations II
- Civil Procedure II (may be taken as a first-year elective)
- Constitutional Law I (may be taken as a first-year elective)
- Constitutional Law II
- Contracts II (may be taken as a first-year elective)
- Employment Law
- Environmental Law
- Evidence
- Family Law I
- Insurance Law
- International Law
- Introduction to Intellectual Property
- Lawyering Skills
- Professional ResponsibilitiesTax I (A or B)
- Real Estate Transactions
- Secured Transactions
- Trial Advocacy
- Trusts and Estates
* Be sure to include the required courses for graduation and diploma privilege as well.
Clinics, Internships, and Externships
A clinical course, externship, or internship is a valuable experience and a good addition to the curriculum.
Student Organizations and Related Activities
A student who is involved in student activities and organizations is often a strong job candidate. Employers look for students who show leadership, public service, and community involvement.
